How long can a car stay in an auto shop and why?

Question

I am writing a short story and I need to know how long a car can stay in an auto shop like what the longest amount of time is and why. I don't know enough about cars to reference from experience, so I need something that'd keep my main character without a car for a good 3 or 4 days if possible. If that's an unrealistic length of time, please let me know and I'll use something else, thank you!

Kirk · Answer

It can be a very long time. Years.
If a car is being restored, it could take as much as 3 years.
If it is in for bodywork & Painting as much as 6 months.
If it needs fixing, it could be up to 3 months. [Here in Arizona, there is a car that has being in the shop for over 2 years! It needs an ECM Module which is hard to find due to the Government's "Cash-for-Clunkers" program, destroyed every used car that would have had it.].

Generally, If a car is fixed, the shop will only allow it to be there for 30 days. If repairs are not paid for by then, they have a right to sell it, to recover their fee. It is in the Repair order you sign.

Robert M · Answer

It deepnds on many things, liek WHAT the issue is, the availability of parts for reapir, and the number of people wating ahead of you. ALSO, many car expenses are so dear and labor rates so hgih that the figure ti will take a while for you to get CASH or CREDIT for car repairs. SImple tuning is EASY> Other things reurie MORE time and oftene times it is like the DOMINO effect. WHen ONE thing is diesturbed,it carn take a few more things down along with it. It is PAERT of the reapir scenario, that MECHANICS often get balmed for. GOOD LUCK!!!

Billmeister · Answer

It could last for weeks if parts is not available local and ordered from abroad.

How long can a car stay in an auto shop and why?

3 Answers